DEVELOPMENT OF SPEED-STRENGTH QUALITIES IN THE PROCESS OF EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING SESSIONS OF 13–14-YEAR-OLD HOCKEY PLAYERS

Abstract

In modern youth hockey, strength and speed-strength training are of particular importance as one of the key factors in enhancing players’ mastery and specific performance capacity. In the course of theoretical analysis and substantiation of the specific features of developing speed-strength qualities in the process of sports training of hockey players, contemporary approaches to managing the educational and training process were identified. It was determined that special attention at the stage of specialized training should be paid to speed-strength qualities, since the selection and rational structuring of the training system must ensure the gradual improvement of players’ physical and psychological mastery, which subsequently determines their motor actions. In the course of the study, a methodology for developing speed-strength abilities of 13–14-year-old hockey players was developed. The main objectives in designing the content of the methodology included mastering and further improving skating technique, stick handling, and puck control skills. It was also important to introduce exercises aimed at improving short and medium passes, monitoring the accuracy of pass execution, as well as drills incorporating body contact situations and strength-based technical techniques. As a result of pedagogical testing of the development of speed-strength qualities in 13–14-year-old hockey players, it was established that at the initial stage of the experiment, no statistically significant differences were found between the control and experimental groups. During the experiment, it was proven that the implementation of the proposed methodology for developing speed-strength qualities enabled athletes of the experimental group to achieve high results in control tests and demonstrated significantly greater improvements in speed-strength qualities compared to the control group. Thus, the conducted research confirmed the effectiveness of applying the methodology for developing speed-strength qualities in the process of educational and training sessions of 13–14-year-old hockey players.